Dalhousie's Swallowwort Plant Care
Cynanchum dalhousieae Wight
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cynanchum dalhousieae is a unique plant known for its striking purple-hued leaves that are lance-shaped and glossy. Originating from the rocky habitats of India, this vine-like species is popular among enthusiasts for its rare coloration and graceful growth habit.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Water Dalhousie's Swallowwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Dalhousie's Swallowwort (Cynanchum dalhousieae) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Cynanchum genus. Dalhousie's Swallowwort is native to India, Sri Lanka. Dalhousie's Swallowwort is also known as Purple Milkweed Vine.
Dalhousie's Swallowwort displays a vining, twining habit growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dalhousie's Swallowwort produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Cynanchum dalhousieae requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dalhousie's Swallowwort Need?
Dalhousie's Swallowwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Dalhousie's Swallowwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dalhousie's Swallowwort Prefer?
Cynanchum dalhousieae grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Dalhousie's Swallowwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Dalhousie's Swallowwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Feed Dalhousie's Swallowwort every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Dalhousie's Swallowwort can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cynanchum ellipticum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dalhousie's Swallowwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dalhousie's Swallowwort?
Dalhousie's Swallowwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Dalhousie's Swallowwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cynanchum genus — compare its care with other Cynanchum species on PlantoScan.
Cynanchum is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Dalhousie's Swallowwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cynanchum Species
Other Cynanchum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cynanchum dalhousieae Wight, family Apocynaceae (first published in Contr. Bot. India : 55 (1834)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Dalhousie's Swallowwort is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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